Creation of a Stem Cell-based Organoids for Visualizing Human Embryonic Development

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15098
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 44020:Developmental biology-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Shibata Shun 東北大学, 医学系研究科, 助教 (40885670)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: TS細胞 / ES細胞 / 子宮内膜 / 胎盤発生 / オルガノイド

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research, we established a multi-tiered stem cell assembloid that visualizes the human embryo implantation process by co-culturing newly created apical-out endometrial organoids with blastoids derived from human naive-type ES cells in three dimensions. Furthermore, through analysis using this model, we applied it to elucidate aspects of the molecular mechanism of interaction between the endometrial cells' role during implantation and the maternal environment during the embryo invasion process. This innovative approach offers unprecedented insights into the complex dynamics of early human development and opens new avenues for studying the intricate mechanisms of embryo implantation, potentially leading to advancements in reproductive medicine and fertility treatments.

Free Research Field

分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

生体を反映した胚構成幹細胞、子宮内膜（幹）細胞を三次元オルガノイド培養技術で組み合わせ、従来の不死化細胞株や二次元培養を用いたアッセイよりも、さらに正確にヒト胚の着床進展機構を模倣し、多くの知見を得ることを可能にした。この点が、これまでに報告のない学術的価値と独創性を示す内容である。また、その成果は、倫理的な制約のために 「ブラックボックス」 となっていたヒト初期胚発生機構の理解を広げ、さらには、流産、着床障害など妊娠初期の異常に対する治療の標的や治療戦略を創出することにも繋がると予想される。